Cougar Microbes

Cougar writer Sam offers his top ten albums for our Top albums of 2012 feature.

The XX – ‘Coexist‘

Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.

Spector – ‘Enjoy It While It Lasts‘

With the confidence that is exuded from frontman Fred MacPherson, it is understandable that ‘Enjoy It While It Lasts’ is so unashamedly triumphant. Confident, bold choruses throughout, Spector have made an album full of songs for people to enjoy on indie disco dance floors for a long time to come.

Alt J (∆) – ‘An Awesome Wave’

Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.

The Maccabees – ‘Given To The Wild‘

Three albums in, The Maccabees have produced an album unlike any of their previous works. Orlando and co have released an expansive album both internally and sonically and by doing so found a comfortable resonance where they can soar through epic tracks, such as “Forever I’ve Known”.

The Milk – ‘Tales From The Thames Delta‘

Making foot tapping motown authentic in the 21st century has rarely been done, yet Ricky Nunn’s growling voice along with a set of passionately soulful tunes have attracted attention from people who believe they’re onto something.

John Talabot – ‘fIN‘

In a musical void in the electronic scene lurks an artist, who much like his work, is drenched in shadows. Despite the anonymity of the producer, ‘fIN’ as an album has a deeply washed out sound that has raised the profile of the Barcelonan even more than the technical mastery of his remixes did, and rightly so.

Tribes – ‘Baby’

Energetic and poetic, these lads from Camden recorded the whole album on tape for a grittier rock and roll sound. Powerful guitar lines display an elating feeling of youth yet the softer songs of the album question whether they have been corrupted by growing up, in retrospective ballads.

Lucy Rose – ‘Like I Used To’

Recorded in her parents’ home, ‘Like I Used To’ has a distinctly warm feel to it. Lucy’s delicate vocals neatly tie together calming and tranquil guitar lines which compliment the unusual quirks in tempo throughout.

Lana Del Rey – ‘Born to Die’

Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.

Peace – ‘Delicious EP‘

With the signature sound of Peace not yet pinned down into one area, it would be understandable for people assume there was no coherence in their work. However quite the contrary, the four song jigsaw shows the range they are capable of, be it from the clanging guitar in “Bloodshake” to the simply epic atmosphere, and subsequent drop in the cover of “1998”.

Having previously returned home from Leeds Festival with a mild case of trench foot, it was with some apprehension that I returned, armed with two pairs of wellies, a towel and a tent with a fully functioning zip.

Fortunately, there was no such problem with the Northern weather and Thursday was a day spent meeting the merry neighbours of the campsite before drawing to a close at the stripped back set of Little Comets

Unfortunately, my apathy towards the sun on Thursday and the ensuing sunburn resulted in acquiring the disposition of a vampire by remaining out of the sun throughout Friday. Yet this apparent hindrance allowed me to discover some bands lurking in the shadows I previously would not have seen.

DZ Deathrays brought their heavy, melody rich music to the Festival Republic Tent, whilst Tribes played many new songs including the re-recorded ‘’Coming of Age ‘’in a set climaxing with ‘’We Were Children’’ at the NME/Radio 1 Tent.

As the sun gradually began to retire behind the clouds Kaiser Chiefs emphatically rolled out hit after hit to their adoring local crowd before the bucking bronco of a concert The Black Keys played incited the whole audience to bark out the intro to practically every song between gasping for breath and frantic jumping to the bluesy music of the Ohio duo.

Dave Grohl proved to everyone what an exceptional musician/ showman/ icon he is as Foo Fighters rattled through songs such as ‘’The Pretender’’ and ‘’All My Life’’. Unable to take too much of a Rock’n’Roll masterclass, a quick walk to see Justice and the frenzied crowd ensured that I walked away from the set with calves as toned as an Olympian and ‘’Phantom Part ll‘’constantly running round my head.

A double appearance from Lucy Rose, primarily as her solo outfit, shortly followed by gracing Bombay Bicycle Club with her presence started Saturday with a beautiful vibe. Reluctantly leaving The Cure early allowed me to pass by The Subways playing ‘’Rock & Roll Queen’’ and the Foster The People’s dub steppy version of ‘’Pumped Up Kicks’’ in quick succession. The Maccabees took to the stage and flew through a set including ‘’William Powers’’ and many songs from the old albums to a crowd who sang along to every word as adoringly Orlando caressed the microphone.

Los Campesinos! beginning Sunday on the main stage was exactly what the doctor ordered. Tempering their upbeat pop fun with more melancholic songs from the new album nursed the hung-over and ensured the day started off with just the right amount of energy to tee off Mystery Jets to play to a bouncier and less bleary eyed audience.

One of the most surprising acts of the weekend were the band lead by young Brad Oberhofer: named after their charismatic front man, Oberhofer played catchy hooks, the xylophone, whistled and ran up and down stage in front of a sparse but lucky audience.

Florence’s dreamy stage presence conjured up a state of euphoria which Kasabian rolled with (just like they used to) to cement their status as being a British headline act up there with the best as their sound filled not only the arena, but the whole of the surrounding countryside. A charming rendition of The Beatles’‘’She Loves You’’ resonated with every single welly wearing punter as they all left and another year of Leeds Fest was complete.

Everyone left singing. Everyone left happy. And most people left just that little bit drier.

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Post by Sam

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TRACKS:

It is December and people are already compiling their end of year (and indeed end of decade) “Best Of” lists. I started thinking about mine way back in August which probably says more about me than it does about the quality of music released in 2009.

While I separate the contenders from the also-rans here are some fun covers from VV Brown and The Maccabees that I appreciated in the last few months.

As a bonus, seen as the Fenech-Soler post yesterday went down well I’ve also added a link for the remix of ‘Lies‘ by The Phantom Revenge.

Lastly, if you havent already joined the Cougar Microbes on facebook what are you waiting for?

TRACKS:

The Maccabees – Boom Boom Pow

VV Brown – Day & Night